National Guard Assists Residents with Storm Relief

The Soldiers and Airmen are also assisting in clearing debris along the Wai`anae Coast.

Governor Linda Lingle proclaimed a state of emergency on Thursday, December 12, 2008 and authorized disaster emergency relief, including the use of the Hawai`i National Guard. Since the proclamation, small teams of soldiers have been assisting with community efforts and assessments over the weekend.

Earlier this week, State Civil Defense began assisting Honolulu County in establishing Red Cross Disaster Assistance and Recovery Centers. In addition, a team of Hawai`i National Guard personnel continues to participate in a joint ground assessment of potential sites where the National Guard might assist with debris clearance efforts, particularly where it may affect the health and safety of O`ahu residents and alleviate public suffering, and restore critical functions. 

In December of 2007, the Hawai`i National Guard assisted the residents of Maui with debris removal when eight inches of rain fell in three hours, washing wildfire debris down the slopes of the Haleakala and into populated areas.
The Hawai`i National Guard's State Mission is to provide highly effective, professional, and organized forces able to respond to natural and human-caused disasters.

• Read more about the Governor's emergency proclamation to provide aid in recovery from the damage caused by high winds, heavy rains and flooding that began on Wednesday, December 10, 2008.